Computer Abuse: Does Restricting Online Information Protect Children?

Introduction

Computer and online crimes against children are becoming common. Sex offenders have learned to use the internet to share pornography and recruit children into sexually illicit relationships. With an estimated 24 million children now online, 75% of these children are willing to share personal information about themselves and their families. On the other hand, only 25% of the youth who encountered a sexual solicitation told a parent and only 1/3 of the households with internet access are proactively protecting their children!

Use of Filtering Software

A filtering software is available to help parents and schools control or block objectionable content delivered over the Web. Among the popular ones include Net Nanny Parental Controls, Safe Eyes and CYBERsitter. Some content-control software includes time control functions that empower parents to set the amount of time their child may spend accessing the internet or playing games or other computer activities.

Problems of Filtering Software

When imposed without the consent of the user, content control can constitute censorship or violation of free speech rights of the individual. It can also pose a problem when it is unable to discriminate between information that is objectionable and content that is informational. Furthermore, designers of objectionable sites have learned to disguise the content of their sites so that it fools the filters.

Alternatives to Filtering Software

Parental controls can also be implemented without using a filtering software. Your web browser allows you to restrict or allow certain web sites to be viewed on your computer, and you can protect these settings with a password. You can also give your child a separate account and set the amount of access and number of privileges she/he can have.

Conclusion

As a parent with a 7 year old daughter myself, what struck me more is the small percentage of households proactively protecting their children. While a filtering software and other alternatives may be helpful, the key is keeping the lines of communication open. Parents should educate and warn their children about the dangers of using the internet and monitor their computer activity. Parents should also be aware of the telltale signs that they may be breaking the rules, indicating the need for more monitoring of their use of the internet.

References

Child Computer Usage Statistics. Retrieved March 13, 2009, from Online Child Computer & Internet Abuse Statistics Web site: http://www.snapshotspy.com/online-child-abuse-statistics.htm#child

Keeping Children Safe Online. Retrieved March 13, 2009, from National Cyber Alert System Cyber Security Tip ST05-002 Web site: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST05-002.html 2009

Internet Filter Software Product Comparisons. Retrieved March 13, 2009, from Internet Filter Software Review Web site: http://www.internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/

(I wrote this paper for my ICS 100 class)